Aileron Spars

[mulwyk]

My aileron spars have 1/16" plywood reinforcements at each of the hinge attachment points. See attached photo. These 3" X 3" plywood plates don't appear to be "original". They don't quite fit right on the spar and the adhesive is squeezed out in big globs. They look like they were added later as a "repair". And you can't get the aileron ribs off the spar without first prying off the plywood plates with a chisel.

Anyone that has rebuilt their ailerons: are they supposed to have plywood reinforcements under the hinge fittings? If so, do you have to first assemble the inner ribs, then glue on the plywood plates, then the rest of the ribs? And then varnish last?

Bob Gustafson

[N96337]

Re: Aileron Spars

Mine have them on both sides, just like you describe. I guess you're right on the procedure, but I was planning on masking off the reinforcing area and laying a coat of epoxy varnish on before I threw the ribs on, then finish like you said.
John H.

[Guest]

Re: Aileron Spars

My aileron spars have 1/16" plywood reinforcements at each of the hinge attachment points. See attached photo. These 3" X 3" plywood plates don't appear to be "original". They don't quite fit right on the spar and the adhesive is squeezed out in big globs. They look like they were added later as a "repair". And you can't get the aileron ribs off the spar without first prying off the plywood plates with a chisel.

Anyone that has rebuilt their ailerons: are they supposed to have plywood reinforcements under the hinge fittings? If so, do you have to first assemble the inner ribs, then glue on the plywood plates, then the rest of the ribs? And then varnish last?

Bob Gustafson

Hi Bob,

I made new ones for mine a while back and what you describe sounds like what I had. Dave.